'''Puebla''' is a city in [[Mexico]]. It is in the Puebla Valley, surrounded by volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, slightly over 110 kilometers (68 miles) south-east of Mexico City. The city proper in 2005 had a population of 1.5 million people, while the metropolitan area had a population of 2.1 million.

'''Puebla''' is a city in [[Mexico]]. It is in the Puebla Valley, surrounded by volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, slightly over 110 kilometers (68 miles) south-east of Mexico City. The city proper in 2005 had a population of 1.5 million people, while the metropolitan area had a population of 2.1 million.

==Understand==

==Understand==

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The city of Puebla is the fourth largest city in Mexico with 2.1 million inhabitants and the Capital of the State of Puebla. It was founded on April 16, 1531 as "La Puebla de los Ángeles". It was the first city in central Mexico founded by the Spanish conquistadors that was not built upon the ruins of a conquered Amerindian settlement. Its strategic location, halfway between the port of [[Veracruz]] and [[Mexico City]], made it the second most important city during the colonial period. During the seventeenth century, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz lived in the city until her confrontation with the Bishop of Puebla.

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The city of Puebla is the fourth largest city in Mexico with 2.1 million inhabitants and the Capital of the State of Puebla. It was founded on April 16, 1531 as "La Puebla de los Ángeles". It was the first city in central Mexico founded by the Spanish conquistadors that was not built upon the ruins of a conquered Amerindian settlement. Its strategic location, between the port of [[Veracruz]] and [[Mexico City]], made it the second most important city during the colonial period. During the seventeenth century, Sor [[Juana Ines de la Cruz]] lived in the city until her confrontation with the Bishop of Puebla.

The city’s main claim to fame, however, is Cinco de Mayo, a festival commemorating the May 5, 1862 defeat of a French expeditionary army by Mexican general Ignacio Zaragoza. It was after this battle that the name of the city was changed to "Heróica Puebla de Zaragoza". The forts where the battle took place are a major tourist attraction of the city and the site of an annual month-long carnival marking the anniversary of the battle. The city is also famous for its cuisine, being said it is this city where "Mole" -a famous Mexican spicy thick sauce- was invented.

The city’s main claim to fame, however, is Cinco de Mayo, a festival commemorating the May 5, 1862 defeat of a French expeditionary army by Mexican general Ignacio Zaragoza. It was after this battle that the name of the city was changed to "Heróica Puebla de Zaragoza". The forts where the battle took place are a major tourist attraction of the city and the site of an annual month-long carnival marking the anniversary of the battle. The city is also famous for its cuisine, being said it is this city where "Mole" -a famous Mexican spicy thick sauce- was invented.

==Get in==

==Get in==

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Traveling to Puebla from Mexico City is fairly straightforward and can be accomplished via bus. There are continual bus services between Mexico City and Puebla throughout the day and night both from the TAPO terminal (also known as Terminal Oriente, located beside the San Lázaro Metro station) and from Benito Juarez International Airport.

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===By bus===

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Traveling to Puebla from Mexico City is fairly straightforward via bus. There are continual bus services between Mexico City and Puebla throughout the day and night both from the TAPO terminal (also known as Terminal Oriente, located beside the San Lázaro Metro station) and from Benito Juarez International Airport. Occasional buses go to/from the other terminals in Mexico City - e.g. ADO run a service from the Terminal del Norte several times a day ($184 MXN).

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A one-way ticket on Estrella Roja or ADO from the TAPO usually runs about $110 MXN for regular direct service; a first class ticket ("Pullman Primera Clase" service) on Estrella Roja costs about $130 MXN. (The extra 20 pesos or so are worth it: the first class coaches seat less people, thus less crowded, more space, more comfortable.) Buses leave for Puebla approximately every half hour from both locations. Travel time from TAPO to Puebla's CAPU is usually around 2 hours, but this time may vary by up to a full hour depending on Mexico City traffic conditions at that time of day. Taking an Estrella Roja bus from the airport costs about $200 MXN for a one-way ticket or $400 MXN for a round-trip.

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A one-way ticket on Estrella Roja or ADO from the TAPO usually runs about $160 MXN for regular direct service; a first class ticket ("Pullman Primera Clase" service) on Estrella Roja costs about $180-$200 MXN as of October 2016. Buses leave for Puebla approximately every fifteen minutes from TAPO and every 40 minutes or so. Travel time from TAPO to Puebla's CAPU is usually around 2 hours, but this time may vary by up to a full hour depending on Mexico City traffic conditions at that time of day. Taking an Estrella Roja bus to/from the airport (leaving from 4 Poniente) costs about $290 MXN for a one-way ticket.

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There are two bus terminals in Puebla: the Centro de Autobuses Puebla (CAPU), the main bus terminal, and Estrella Roja’s 4 Poniente bus terminal, this terminal is located in downtown Puebla. Both Estrella Roja and ADO run buses to the much larger CAPU. If you’ve never visited Puebla before, the 4 Poniente is your safest bet to get you to your final destination; there are secure taxis (called Top Driver Express) in which you pay the cashier and not the driver and if you choose CAPU this is a major intersection of several public transportation bus lines (known as combis or camiones) if you are going to nearby towns.

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Buses are also available from many other cities and towns, including Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Cuernavaca, Xalapa, Veracruz, Zacatlán, Cuetzalan, Tlaxcala, Tehuacán, Huamntla, and Juchitan among others, including less frequent services to destinations such as Cancún, Mérida, Puerto Escondido, and Acapulco.

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Alternatively, Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC) is an international airport located near Puebla with direct flights from Houston TX and several cities within Mexico.

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From nearby Cholula, there are many buses, or you can get a taxi for approximately $50-150, depending on the number of passengers and time of day.

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There are two bus terminals in Puebla: the '''Centro de Autobuses Puebla (CAPU)''', the main bus terminal, and Estrella Roja’s '''4 Poniente''' bus terminal, this terminal is located in downtown Puebla. Both Estrella Roja and ADO run buses to the much larger CAPU. At 4 Poniente, there are secure taxis (called Top Driver Express) in which you pay the cashier and not the driver. Secure taxis are also available from CAPU. Several local buses enter the station, and many others pass within 1-2 blocks. 4 Poniente is a much smaller terminal, though CAPU is relatively easy to navigate as well.

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===By air===

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Alternatively, '''Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC)''' is an international airport located near Puebla with direct flights from Houston (United), Dallas (American), Panama City (Copa), and several cities within Mexico.

==Get around==

==Get around==

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==See==

==See==

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* Los Fuertes (Fuerte de Loreto and Fuerte de Guadalupe) - The forts, which sit atop the Cerro de Guadalupe is where the Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862. This successful defense of the city by General Ignacio Zaragoza from invading French forces is commemorated every year in Puebla throughout the month of May and specifically on May 5 (''Cinco de Mayo'' in Spanish).

* '''Los Fuertes''' (Fuerte de Loreto and Fuerte de Guadalupe) - The forts, which sit atop the Cerro de Guadalupe is where the Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862. This successful defense of the city by General Ignacio Zaragoza from invading French forces is commemorated every year in Puebla throughout the month of May and specifically on May 5 (''Cinco de Mayo'' in Spanish).

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* Cathedral - Built between 1575 and 1640, it has two of the tallest church towers in Mexico.

* Los Sapos (Art District)- Many painters have ''ateliers'' offering their paintings and a block away, every Saturday and Sunday, there is a flea market where you can find handicrafts and some antiques.

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* '''Cathedral''' - Built between 1575 and 1640, it has two of the tallest church towers in Mexico.

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* Chipilo- Italian town that is only 20 minutes outside the city for an authentic northern Italian experience.

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[[File:Catedral puebla nocturna.jpg|thumb|Puebla Cathedral]]

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* '''Palafoxian Library''' - A library built in the 18th century which contains a unique collection.

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* '''Los Sapos''' (Art District)- Many painters have ''ateliers'' offering their paintings and a block away, every Saturday and Sunday, there is a flea market where you can find handicrafts and some antiques.

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* '''Chipilo'''- Italian town that is only 20 minutes outside the city for an authentic northern Italian experience.

* Flowers in nearby town of Atlixco

* Flowers in nearby town of Atlixco

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* Metepec

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* '''Metepec'''. Budget-friendly resort near the town of Atlixco.

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* Huey Atlixcáyotl - A festival in the municipality of Atlixco that occurs the last Sunday of September.

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* '''Huey Atlixcáyotl''' - A festival in the municipality of Atlixco that occurs the last Sunday of September.

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* Cuexcomate, the world's smallest volcano (now extinct), is in Puebla, in the suburb of La Libertad. Take a bus from Avenida 11 oriente in the city centre going to La Libertad, and get off in the main square of the suburb (which is the terminus of the bus anyway). The volcano is right there in the square.

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* '''Cuexcomate''', the world's smallest volcano (now extinct), is in Puebla, in the suburb of La Libertad. Take a bus from Avenida 11 oriente in the city centre going to La Libertad, and get off in the main square of the suburb (which is the terminus of the bus anyway). The volcano is right there in the square.

* [[Cholula]] - A neighboring town 10 kilometers away filled with as many as 365 churches (actually just 45..) and an archaeological site.

* [[Cholula]] - A neighboring town 10 kilometers away filled with as many as 365 churches (actually just 45..) and an archaeological site.

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* Africam Safari - A Zoo park where wild African animals live freely.

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* '''Africam Safari''' - A Zoo park where wild African animals live freely. Located near the Valsequillo lake, south of the city. Buses from Estrella Roja take you to the zoo from CAPU or 4 Poniente.

* Sports. Football soccer is the most popular sport in the city. The city has two professional football teams, Puebla F.C. which plays in the Mexican Liga MX (top division) and the Lobos BUAP (second division). Puebla F.C. home venue is the Estadio Cuauhtemoc which is 10 minutes away from the Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe. (Currently on remodeltion, team playing at the BUAP Stadium). They hold their games normally on Saturdays evening. Prices normally go from $80 MXN to $250 MXNLobos BUAP plays at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario BUAP, which is inside Ciudad Universitaria, the biggest BUAP campus, at the south of the city, near Valsequillo. Friday is their gameday. Prices normally under $50 MXNPericos de Puebla is a professional Baseball club. They play at Estadio Hermanos Serdán, located in the same block as the Estadio Cuauhtemoc.Sports events don't normally pack the venues, so buying tickets hours before the event is just fine.

==Do==

==Do==

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* If you are in the mood for authentic Italian cuisine, head over to the nearby town of Chipilo, just 15 minutes from downtown Puebla and near Cholula and Atlixco. This town was settled by Veneto immigrants from northern Italy in the late 1800's. Take a stroll around the Piazza, the Chiesa (Church), and try the many restaurants it has to offer such as Piazza delle Sole, Caffe Ristorante I Dagot, Ristorante Venezia; or have a cafe in the original "The Italian Coffee Co." and people watch. Gelato at Topolino is also a good way to have dessert. And do not forget to buy pastas, cheeses, cold cuts and wines at the Nave Italia store. Stop to listen to the people speak their 19th century Venetian dialect which still survives in Chipilo. Take a stroll around the town which still holds many aspects of typical rural Venetian towns. Truly a unique gem in the middle of Puebla.

* If you are in the mood for authentic Italian cuisine, head over to the nearby town of Chipilo, just 15 minutes from downtown Puebla and near Cholula and Atlixco. This town was settled by Veneto immigrants from northern Italy in the late 1800's. Take a stroll around the Piazza, the Chiesa (Church), and try the many restaurants it has to offer such as Piazza delle Sole, Caffe Ristorante I Dagot, Ristorante Venezia; or have a cafe in the original "The Italian Coffee Co." and people watch. Gelato at Topolino is also a good way to have dessert. And do not forget to buy pastas, cheeses, cold cuts and wines at the Nave Italia store. Stop to listen to the people speak their 19th century Venetian dialect which still survives in Chipilo. Take a stroll around the town which still holds many aspects of typical rural Venetian towns. Truly a unique gem in the middle of Puebla.

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*<do name="Rent a bike Puebla" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="0442222590890" url="http://rentabikepuebla.com" hours="8:00-21:00" price="" lat="" long="">Rent a Bike Puebla was Puebla`s first ever bike tour. It has different tour routes covering all different parts of the city. Also the offer english and spanish, 364 days per year. Rent a bike has the largest fleet of privately owned rental bikes. The staff at the shop is always ready to help you. If you decide to rent a bike with Rent a bike Puebla you can be sure thats is the best thing you can do. Contact email: [email protected]</do>

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==Buy==

==Buy==

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* Freshly ground coffee or beans from Cafe Britania, Av de la Reforma 528a - costs around $150/180 per kilo, also sold in 250g bags - the coffee comes from the nearby Veracruz region

* Freshly ground coffee or beans from Cafe Britania, Av de la Reforma 528a - costs around $150/180 per kilo, also sold in 250g bags - the coffee comes from the nearby Veracruz region

*Malls. The major mall of the city is called Angelopolis, located south of the city. There are other major malls like Plaza Dorada, Triángulo Las Ánimas, Galerías Serdán.

==Eat==

==Eat==

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* A must is something with "Mole poblano".

* A must is something with "Mole poblano".

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* Tacos Arabes - Very good. Made with Lamb or pork. Originated from the high arabic population in the city.

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* Tacos Arabes - Very good. Made with Lamb or pork, similar to the European famous kebab. Tacos árabes originated from the Lebanese inmigrants of the late XIX, early XX centuries. The most famous are from Antigua Taquería La Oriental.

* Chiles en Nogada

* Chiles en Nogada

* Pozole

* Pozole

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* Chanclas

* Chanclas

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You can find most of these street food near traditional markets or flea-markets like "La Acocota", "Mercado Hidalgo". Be cautious as the zones of these markets are not touristic spots.

Some good restaurants include:

Some good restaurants include:

*<eat name="El Mural de los Poblanos" alt="" address="16 de Septiembre 506" directions="From the front of the cathedral, left at 16 de sept.; will be on your right after 5 Poniente" phone="222-2426696" url="http://www.elmuraldelospoblanos.com" hours="13:00 - 23:00" price="$260" lat="" long="">Traditional Cuisine; fine dining. The best mole poblano; other seasonal dishes, Spanish cuisine. Steps from the Cathedral and Zócalo.</eat>

*<eat name="El Mural de los Poblanos" alt="" address="16 de Septiembre 506" directions="From the front of the cathedral, left at 16 de sept.; will be on your right after 5 Poniente" phone="222-2426696" url="http://www.elmuraldelospoblanos.com" hours="13:00 - 23:00" price="$260" lat="" long="">Traditional Cuisine; fine dining. The best mole poblano; other seasonal dishes, Spanish cuisine. Steps from the Cathedral and Zócalo.</eat>

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*<eat name="Restaurante La Fonda" alt="" address="2 Oriente 801" directions="On 2 Oriente, the south street of El Parián market; big awning with name" phone="" url="" hours="" price="$50-120" lat="" long="">Located on the south street by El Parián market. Excellent local cuisine for less than you'd spend in the Zócalo area; their chiles en nogada are especially delicious. $100 for a chile en nogada with a soup and a dish of rice w/ mole poblano (half of what you'd spend for the same in the Zócalo). They also sell their excellent mole poblano by the kilo or half-kilo.</eat>

*<eat name="Restaurante La Fonda" alt="" address="2 Oriente 801" directions="On 2 Oriente, the south street of El Parián market; big awning with name" phone="" url="" hours="" price="$50-120" lat="" long="">Located on the south street by El Parián market. Excellent local cuisine for less than you'd spend in the Zócalo area; their chiles en nogada are especially delicious. $100 for a chile en nogada with a soup and a dish of rice w/ mole poblano (half of what you'd spend for the same in the Zócalo). They also sell their excellent mole poblano by the kilo or half-kilo.</eat>

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K-ctus Café (2 sur, zócalo) has a nice atmosphere with a shop in front, good coffee and sweets, and good sandwiches and salads. Very reasonably priced at $40-50 for a combo that includes a panini, chips, and a good salad.

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Deli Café (23 Sur y 13 Poniente) has excellent salads, wraps, and sandwiches when you want a break from grease. Most entrees are $40-$55.

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*Mr Pampas do Brasil. Exquisite Brazilian churrasqueria. Offers a wide meat buffet. $250 per person. Is located in Avenida Juarez.

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Las Sombrillas (13 Poniente between 23 Sur & 25 Sur) makes great juices and aguas naturales, breakfasts (fruit salads, chilaquiles) and light lunches (baguettes) along with the best plátanos fritos in town- they're smothered in sweet cream and chocolate sprinkles for only $30.

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Pizzeria Amalfi (Avenida Juárez) has great pizzas. $100-160 for a pizza that feeds 2-3.

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Los Tapatíos (9 Sur y 29 Poniente, second location across from Container City in Cholula) has great Jalisco-style food. Burritos are the highlight of the menu, and their birria and pollo pibil are particularly good. For sides, nopales al ajillo (garlic cactus) are a must-order.

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The best value almost anywhere is the "comida corrida" for lunch- 3-4 courses for as little as $35, and usually no more than $60. Generally comes with a soup, a rice or pasta dish (sometimes a tostada), and a main course (milanesa, flautas, arrachera, pechuga asada, etc.) with a side or two (beans, salad, plátano frito, chalupas, etc.). Often these will also come with a drink (agua de horchata, jamaica, etc.) and desert (gelatina, plátano frito, arroz con leche, pastel). Breakfast versions may include chilaquiles, huevos, or quesadillas, with sides of beans, fruit, yogurt, or cereal and coffee or juice. These can be found all over, but many restaurants are located within several blocks of the zócalo in all directions (try upstairs in Plaza Victoria). Many are also located near universities, in particular near UPAEP in Santiago neighborhood (23 sur y 13 poniente).

Just in the "Zócalo" (main square) there's a place called Vittorio's; it's famous for the excellent and delicious Mexican and Italian food. Very nice and cozy; they have indoor and a terrace and more important very clean. They made it into the Guinness Book of Records for making the biggest pizza ever; and in the night upstairs they have the bar La Vita è Bella for an amazing collection of folding knives and other cool stuff. Near the Zócalo, you can eat at El Mural, probably the best mole poblano in town; also famous for other seasonal dishes and its Spanish cuisine. For drinks with a view to the square go to Hotel Royalty, popular with locals and tourist. Hotel La Purificadora, a few blocks away, offers a more sophisticated dining and lodging experience. For those who want to venture to other neighborhoods, go to Restaurante La Noria with a beautiful Mexican patio, enjoy contemporary Mexican cooking in what used to be a nice Hacienda. For more avant-garde food, go to Intro on Calzada Zavaleta, where Chef Ángel Vázquez will pamper you with a weekly changing menu.

Just in the "Zócalo" (main square) there's a place called Vittorio's; it's famous for the excellent and delicious Mexican and Italian food. Very nice and cozy; they have indoor and a terrace and more important very clean. They made it into the Guinness Book of Records for making the biggest pizza ever; and in the night upstairs they have the bar La Vita è Bella for an amazing collection of folding knives and other cool stuff. Near the Zócalo, you can eat at El Mural, probably the best mole poblano in town; also famous for other seasonal dishes and its Spanish cuisine. For drinks with a view to the square go to Hotel Royalty, popular with locals and tourist. Hotel La Purificadora, a few blocks away, offers a more sophisticated dining and lodging experience. For those who want to venture to other neighborhoods, go to Restaurante La Noria with a beautiful Mexican patio, enjoy contemporary Mexican cooking in what used to be a nice Hacienda. For more avant-garde food, go to Intro on Calzada Zavaleta, where Chef Ángel Vázquez will pamper you with a weekly changing menu.

*<sleep name="Bed and Breakfast Puebla La Paz" alt="http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/pu-puebla-bedandbreakfastpueblalapaz.html" address="Tepeyahualco 44-A, Col. La Paz" directions="near SCT and Universidad Cuauhtemoc, between Oriental and Perote" phone="+1-216-255-6767" url="http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/pu-puebla-bedandbreakfastpueblalapaz.html" checkin="3:00 pm" checkout="11:00 am" price="$1100+" lat="19 03 24.26" long="98 13 57.98">Modern, bright, and comfortable well located in a quiet neighborhood, enjoy exploring all that Puebla and the surrounding area has to offer with guidance from your hosts. We are pleased to help you explore Puebla by offering information about museums and events, walking directions and calling taxis. The Historic Centre of Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage property.</sleep>

*<sleep name="Bed and Breakfast Puebla La Paz" alt="http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/pu-puebla-bedandbreakfastpueblalapaz.html" address="Tepeyahualco 44-A, Col. La Paz" directions="near SCT and Universidad Cuauhtemoc, between Oriental and Perote" phone="+1-216-255-6767" url="http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/pu-puebla-bedandbreakfastpueblalapaz.html" checkin="3:00 pm" checkout="11:00 am" price="$1100+" lat="19 03 24.26" long="98 13 57.98">Modern, bright, and comfortable well located in a quiet neighborhood, enjoy exploring all that Puebla and the surrounding area has to offer with guidance from your hosts. We are pleased to help you explore Puebla by offering information about museums and events, walking directions and calling taxis. The Historic Centre of Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage property.</sleep>

*<sleep name="Colonial De Puebla" alt="" address="Calle 4 Sur 105 Centro Histórico" directions="" phone="52 (222) 246-4612" url="http://www.colonial.com.mx/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Beautifully architected hotel in the heart of the city. Always someone available who spoke English. Delicious food. Feels more like a Colonial fort than a hotel (in a good/charming way). Lost electricity a few times in 4 days. Spacious gaps under the doors mean you can hear noise throughout the hotel.</sleep>

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You will rarely see locals wearing shorts, doing so will identify you as a tourist. Jeans are generally acceptable, except perhaps in some of the nicer restaurants.

You will rarely see locals wearing shorts, doing so will identify you as a tourist. Jeans are generally acceptable, except perhaps in some of the nicer restaurants.

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If you are staying in a hotel and you want to take a taxi, someone working the front desk will most likely be able to call and arrange for a cab to pick you up, or you can hail one off the street if you speak enough Spanish to be able to negogiate the price with the driver. In Puebla, there are a multitude of taxis but your best bet will be a radio taxi.

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If you are staying in a hotel and you want to take a taxi, someone working the front desk will most likely be able to call and arrange for a cab to pick you up, or you can hail one off the street if you speak enough Spanish to be able to negotiate the price with the driver. In Puebla, there are a multitude of taxis but your best bet will be a radio taxi.

The radio taxis are the best cabs in appearance and since they are registered they are also the safest, but they tend to charge more: about $10 MXN more than if you hail one on the street. If you run into a friendly cab driver, it is a good idea to get his cell phone number, so you can call whenever you need safe transport.

The radio taxis are the best cabs in appearance and since they are registered they are also the safest, but they tend to charge more: about $10 MXN more than if you hail one on the street. If you run into a friendly cab driver, it is a good idea to get his cell phone number, so you can call whenever you need safe transport.

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You could protect your budget by speaking to the sellers (especially the street ones) in Spanish, because most of them offer higher prices to foreigners who may not know the real prices of the products.

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Like in many other urbanized places in Mexico, Uber is widely present and highly affordable. It is much more accountable than traditional taxis and the benefits are obvious: you get your driver's name, car's license plate number, an email receipt with a map of your ride, and you don't have to explain the directions.

*Facultad de Lenguas de la BUAP. School of languages from the major Public University, offers special spanish courses for foreigners on saturdays or in week-days. Located near Xonaca. http://www.facultaddelenguas.com/

==Get out==

==Get out==

Latest revision as of 02:45, 11 October 2016

Puebla

Contents

Puebla is a city in Mexico. It is in the Puebla Valley, surrounded by volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, slightly over 110 kilometers (68 miles) south-east of Mexico City. The city proper in 2005 had a population of 1.5 million people, while the metropolitan area had a population of 2.1 million.

The city of Puebla is the fourth largest city in Mexico with 2.1 million inhabitants and the Capital of the State of Puebla. It was founded on April 16, 1531 as "La Puebla de los Ángeles". It was the first city in central Mexico founded by the Spanish conquistadors that was not built upon the ruins of a conquered Amerindian settlement. Its strategic location, between the port of Veracruz and Mexico City, made it the second most important city during the colonial period. During the seventeenth century, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz lived in the city until her confrontation with the Bishop of Puebla.

The city’s main claim to fame, however, is Cinco de Mayo, a festival commemorating the May 5, 1862 defeat of a French expeditionary army by Mexican general Ignacio Zaragoza. It was after this battle that the name of the city was changed to "Heróica Puebla de Zaragoza". The forts where the battle took place are a major tourist attraction of the city and the site of an annual month-long carnival marking the anniversary of the battle. The city is also famous for its cuisine, being said it is this city where "Mole" -a famous Mexican spicy thick sauce- was invented.

Traveling to Puebla from Mexico City is fairly straightforward via bus. There are continual bus services between Mexico City and Puebla throughout the day and night both from the TAPO terminal (also known as Terminal Oriente, located beside the San Lázaro Metro station) and from Benito Juarez International Airport. Occasional buses go to/from the other terminals in Mexico City - e.g. ADO run a service from the Terminal del Norte several times a day ($184 MXN).

A one-way ticket on Estrella Roja or ADO from the TAPO usually runs about $160 MXN for regular direct service; a first class ticket ("Pullman Primera Clase" service) on Estrella Roja costs about $180-$200 MXN as of October 2016. Buses leave for Puebla approximately every fifteen minutes from TAPO and every 40 minutes or so. Travel time from TAPO to Puebla's CAPU is usually around 2 hours, but this time may vary by up to a full hour depending on Mexico City traffic conditions at that time of day. Taking an Estrella Roja bus to/from the airport (leaving from 4 Poniente) costs about $290 MXN for a one-way ticket.

Buses are also available from many other cities and towns, including Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Cuernavaca, Xalapa, Veracruz, Zacatlán, Cuetzalan, Tlaxcala, Tehuacán, Huamntla, and Juchitan among others, including less frequent services to destinations such as Cancún, Mérida, Puerto Escondido, and Acapulco.

From nearby Cholula, there are many buses, or you can get a taxi for approximately $50-150, depending on the number of passengers and time of day.

There are two bus terminals in Puebla: the Centro de Autobuses Puebla (CAPU), the main bus terminal, and Estrella Roja’s 4 Poniente bus terminal, this terminal is located in downtown Puebla. Both Estrella Roja and ADO run buses to the much larger CAPU. At 4 Poniente, there are secure taxis (called Top Driver Express) in which you pay the cashier and not the driver. Secure taxis are also available from CAPU. Several local buses enter the station, and many others pass within 1-2 blocks. 4 Poniente is a much smaller terminal, though CAPU is relatively easy to navigate as well.

Alternatively, Hermanos Serdán International Airport (PBC) is an international airport located near Puebla with direct flights from Houston (United), Dallas (American), Panama City (Copa), and several cities within Mexico.

Traveling within Puebla can sometimes be stressful as the local public transportation system is entirely privatized, leading to hundreds of bus routes, none of which are mapped out. If you know where you are going, you can ask around as to which route will take your destination, but often transfers are necessary for long-distances, which can be confusing, especially if you are not familiar with the language. The general fare rate is $6 MXN. (Safety note about buses: they are generally safe, but they tend to carry pickpockets, especially when crowded. Always have a hand over any bags/backpacks that you have.) The buses generally run from about 7AM to 10PM.

Taxis are naturally more expensive, but in Puebla they are deemed safer. They tend to run between $40-80 MXN for a ride. Negotiating a fare before entering a taxi is normal as the taxis do not carry meters in Puebla. If the driver does not offer you a fare that you like, you can always just wave them off and wait for the next taxi.

Los Fuertes (Fuerte de Loreto and Fuerte de Guadalupe) - The forts, which sit atop the Cerro de Guadalupe is where the Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862. This successful defense of the city by General Ignacio Zaragoza from invading French forces is commemorated every year in Puebla throughout the month of May and specifically on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo in Spanish).

Cathedral - Built between 1575 and 1640, it has two of the tallest church towers in Mexico.

Puebla Cathedral

Palafoxian Library - A library built in the 18th century which contains a unique collection.

Los Sapos (Art District)- Many painters have ateliers offering their paintings and a block away, every Saturday and Sunday, there is a flea market where you can find handicrafts and some antiques.

Chipilo- Italian town that is only 20 minutes outside the city for an authentic northern Italian experience.

Flowers in nearby town of Atlixco

Metepec. Budget-friendly resort near the town of Atlixco.

Huey Atlixcáyotl - A festival in the municipality of Atlixco that occurs the last Sunday of September.

Cuexcomate, the world's smallest volcano (now extinct), is in Puebla, in the suburb of La Libertad. Take a bus from Avenida 11 oriente in the city centre going to La Libertad, and get off in the main square of the suburb (which is the terminus of the bus anyway). The volcano is right there in the square.

Cholula - A neighboring town 10 kilometers away filled with as many as 365 churches (actually just 45..) and an archaeological site.

Africam Safari - A Zoo park where wild African animals live freely. Located near the Valsequillo lake, south of the city. Buses from Estrella Roja take you to the zoo from CAPU or 4 Poniente.

Sports. Football soccer is the most popular sport in the city. The city has two professional football teams, Puebla F.C. which plays in the Mexican Liga MX (top division) and the Lobos BUAP (second division). Puebla F.C. home venue is the Estadio Cuauhtemoc which is 10 minutes away from the Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe. (Currently on remodeltion, team playing at the BUAP Stadium). They hold their games normally on Saturdays evening. Prices normally go from $80 MXN to $250 MXNLobos BUAP plays at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario BUAP, which is inside Ciudad Universitaria, the biggest BUAP campus, at the south of the city, near Valsequillo. Friday is their gameday. Prices normally under $50 MXNPericos de Puebla is a professional Baseball club. They play at Estadio Hermanos Serdán, located in the same block as the Estadio Cuauhtemoc.Sports events don't normally pack the venues, so buying tickets hours before the event is just fine.

If you like night life, try the antros (clubs) in Cholula. Many don't charge cover. Alcohol ranges from $450-800 MXN a bottle if you want to get a table in the clubs. There is also abundant live music throughout Puebla. Smaller and less popular antros are also located in the Los Sapos district, only a few blocks from the Zocalo.

Visit the churches of Tonantzintla and Acatepec. They were built and decorated during the late 1600s and early 1700s in the Baroque style. Both are extremely lavishly decorated outside and inside.

Take a tour around the city on a tour bus. This may seem very touristy but this is a really cheap ($80 MXN) easy way to get a quick view of some of the coolest attractions in the city. It also is a way to get a good bearing before you decide to set off and dive into some of the attractions the city has to offer. The tour is in Spanish, but you can ask for headphones when you get on the bus and then you'll be able to listen to a translated in several languages. The bus has several stops along the route where you can get down and get up.

If you are in the mood for authentic Italian cuisine, head over to the nearby town of Chipilo, just 15 minutes from downtown Puebla and near Cholula and Atlixco. This town was settled by Veneto immigrants from northern Italy in the late 1800's. Take a stroll around the Piazza, the Chiesa (Church), and try the many restaurants it has to offer such as Piazza delle Sole, Caffe Ristorante I Dagot, Ristorante Venezia; or have a cafe in the original "The Italian Coffee Co." and people watch. Gelato at Topolino is also a good way to have dessert. And do not forget to buy pastas, cheeses, cold cuts and wines at the Nave Italia store. Stop to listen to the people speak their 19th century Venetian dialect which still survives in Chipilo. Take a stroll around the town which still holds many aspects of typical rural Venetian towns. Truly a unique gem in the middle of Puebla.

Rent a bike Puebla, ☎0442222590890, [2]. 8:00-21:00. Rent a Bike Puebla was Puebla`s first ever bike tour. It has different tour routes covering all different parts of the city. Also the offer english and spanish, 364 days per year. Rent a bike has the largest fleet of privately owned rental bikes. The staff at the shop is always ready to help you. If you decide to rent a bike with Rent a bike Puebla you can be sure thats is the best thing you can do. Contact email: [email protected]edit

Potato chips, usually fried the same day (extra crispy) and topped with lime juice and hot sauce.

Mixiotes Piece of Chicken or "Carnero" (Goat) in a special sauce made out of juajillo chile and spices with an avocado leaf cooked in vapor all wrapped in foil paper or special mixiote paper.

Chalupas a tortilla with green or red sauce then topped with onion, chicken or beef shreds, and cheese. (Traditional chalupas have no cheese.)

Cemitas a special bread that looks like a torta prepared with milanesa, avocado, queso oaxaca in shreds, papalo, aceite de comer and chipotles.

All street food generally costs between $8-15.

A must is something with "Mole poblano".

Tacos Arabes - Very good. Made with Lamb or pork, similar to the European famous kebab. Tacos árabes originated from the Lebanese inmigrants of the late XIX, early XX centuries. The most famous are from Antigua Taquería La Oriental.

Chiles en Nogada

Pozole

Pambazos

Pipian

Adobo

Chanclas

You can find most of these street food near traditional markets or flea-markets like "La Acocota", "Mercado Hidalgo". Be cautious as the zones of these markets are not touristic spots.
Some good restaurants include:

El Mural de los Poblanos, 16 de Septiembre 506 (From the front of the cathedral, left at 16 de sept.; will be on your right after 5 Poniente), ☎222-2426696, [3]. 13:00 - 23:00. Traditional Cuisine; fine dining. The best mole poblano; other seasonal dishes, Spanish cuisine. Steps from the Cathedral and Zócalo.$260. edit

Vittorio's, 2 Sur 106 (On the Zócalo, along 2 Sur), ☎222 232 7900‎. Excellent Italian and Mexican cuisine, at good prices. Apparently known for holding the Guinness World Record for the largest pizza. Try their garlic bread and their pastas if you're not in the pizza mood (they make a mean Pennette Arrabiata). They also serve traditional poblano cuisine. Extensive wine and beverage list. Has an area for outside seating, though this may be full at peak hours; also has two floors of indoor seating.$50-150, wine/beverages $40+. edit

Restaurante La Fonda, 2 Oriente 801 (On 2 Oriente, the south street of El Parián market; big awning with name). Located on the south street by El Parián market. Excellent local cuisine for less than you'd spend in the Zócalo area; their chiles en nogada are especially delicious. $100 for a chile en nogada with a soup and a dish of rice w/ mole poblano (half of what you'd spend for the same in the Zócalo). They also sell their excellent mole poblano by the kilo or half-kilo.$50-120. edit

K-ctus Café (2 sur, zócalo) has a nice atmosphere with a shop in front, good coffee and sweets, and good sandwiches and salads. Very reasonably priced at $40-50 for a combo that includes a panini, chips, and a good salad.

Deli Café (23 Sur y 13 Poniente) has excellent salads, wraps, and sandwiches when you want a break from grease. Most entrees are $40-$55.

Mr Pampas do Brasil. Exquisite Brazilian churrasqueria. Offers a wide meat buffet. $250 per person. Is located in Avenida Juarez.

Las Sombrillas (13 Poniente between 23 Sur & 25 Sur) makes great juices and aguas naturales, breakfasts (fruit salads, chilaquiles) and light lunches (baguettes) along with the best plátanos fritos in town- they're smothered in sweet cream and chocolate sprinkles for only $30.

Pizzeria Amalfi (Avenida Juárez) has great pizzas. $100-160 for a pizza that feeds 2-3.

Los Tapatíos (9 Sur y 29 Poniente, second location across from Container City in Cholula) has great Jalisco-style food. Burritos are the highlight of the menu, and their birria and pollo pibil are particularly good. For sides, nopales al ajillo (garlic cactus) are a must-order.

The best value almost anywhere is the "comida corrida" for lunch- 3-4 courses for as little as $35, and usually no more than $60. Generally comes with a soup, a rice or pasta dish (sometimes a tostada), and a main course (milanesa, flautas, arrachera, pechuga asada, etc.) with a side or two (beans, salad, plátano frito, chalupas, etc.). Often these will also come with a drink (agua de horchata, jamaica, etc.) and desert (gelatina, plátano frito, arroz con leche, pastel). Breakfast versions may include chilaquiles, huevos, or quesadillas, with sides of beans, fruit, yogurt, or cereal and coffee or juice. These can be found all over, but many restaurants are located within several blocks of the zócalo in all directions (try upstairs in Plaza Victoria). Many are also located near universities, in particular near UPAEP in Santiago neighborhood (23 sur y 13 poniente).

Just in the "Zócalo" (main square) there's a place called Vittorio's; it's famous for the excellent and delicious Mexican and Italian food. Very nice and cozy; they have indoor and a terrace and more important very clean. They made it into the Guinness Book of Records for making the biggest pizza ever; and in the night upstairs they have the bar La Vita è Bella for an amazing collection of folding knives and other cool stuff. Near the Zócalo, you can eat at El Mural, probably the best mole poblano in town; also famous for other seasonal dishes and its Spanish cuisine. For drinks with a view to the square go to Hotel Royalty, popular with locals and tourist. Hotel La Purificadora, a few blocks away, offers a more sophisticated dining and lodging experience. For those who want to venture to other neighborhoods, go to Restaurante La Noria with a beautiful Mexican patio, enjoy contemporary Mexican cooking in what used to be a nice Hacienda. For more avant-garde food, go to Intro on Calzada Zavaleta, where Chef Ángel Vázquez will pamper you with a weekly changing menu.

Remember that Puebla has the most culinary schools in Mexico and these new professionals enjoy showing off their skills to locals and visitors alike.

Casona de la China Poblana, [16]. This 5 star contemporary hotel is housed in a construction typical of the Colonial architecture of the XVII Century as is named China Poblana, in memory of Catarina de San Juan “venerable servant of god”. This boutique hotel blends in perfect harmony the classic style of the colonial era with the luxuries of the modern times.

Camino Real Puebla Centro, 7 Poniente No. 105 (on 7 Poniente, just west of 16 de Septiembre), ☎+52 (222) 229 0909 (fax: +52 222 229 0998), [5]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 2PM. In the building that was once the Convent of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1593. Features two restaurants and bar. Standard rooms and bathrooms are a little small, but quaint and charming, decorated in the rustic style, and quite clean and comfortable. Featuring TV, desk, minibar, A/C. A great deal, for the price. Hotel has excellent wi-fi reception throughout (for a fee, unless specified in room package).$80-120. edit

Puebla de Antaño Hotel Boutique, 3 Oriente 206 (Steps from Zócalo; on 3 Oriente, just off 2 Sur), [6]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 1PM. Wonderful, small hotel in the historic center, literally steps from the Zócalo (main square) and Cathedral. Set in an 18th-century casona, 19 luxurious rooms on 3 floors, with a restaurant and "sky bar" that provides good views of the Cathedral. Very clean and comfortable; rooms are spacious. Breakfast included, à la carte from the hotel restaurant, served from 8AM-noon. Very friendly and helpful staff. Free wi-fi, though it's sometimes down. (Plenty of cheap Internet cafés nearby if this happens.) You can book directly through their website; wouldn't hurt to check external sites like Kayak.com or Orbitz for good deals.$70-110. edit

Hotel Del Portal, Juan de Palafox y Mendoza 205 (On Zócalo, on Palafox just off 2 Sur), ☎(222) 404 6200, [7]. Can get a room (very small balcony) that faces the Zócalo. The rooms don't have air conditioning; only fans. The hotel provides small bottles of water. A bottle of Pepto Bismol would be an essential item to take just in case. They did not have wash cloths. Take some Dove facial cloths and used these as wash cloths. They do provide towels.edit

Bed and Breakfast Puebla La Paz (http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/pu-puebla-bedandbreakfastpueblalapaz.html), Tepeyahualco 44-A, Col. La Paz (near SCT and Universidad Cuauhtemoc, between Oriental and Perote), ☎+1-216-255-6767, [13]. checkin: 3:00 pm; checkout: 11:00 am. Modern, bright, and comfortable well located in a quiet neighborhood, enjoy exploring all that Puebla and the surrounding area has to offer with guidance from your hosts. We are pleased to help you explore Puebla by offering information about museums and events, walking directions and calling taxis. The Historic Centre of Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage property.$1100+. (19 03 24.26,98 13 57.98)edit

Colonial De Puebla, Calle 4 Sur 105 Centro Histórico, ☎52 (222) 246-4612, [15]. Beautifully architected hotel in the heart of the city. Always someone available who spoke English. Delicious food. Feels more like a Colonial fort than a hotel (in a good/charming way). Lost electricity a few times in 4 days. Spacious gaps under the doors mean you can hear noise throughout the hotel.edit

You will rarely see locals wearing shorts, doing so will identify you as a tourist. Jeans are generally acceptable, except perhaps in some of the nicer restaurants.

If you are staying in a hotel and you want to take a taxi, someone working the front desk will most likely be able to call and arrange for a cab to pick you up, or you can hail one off the street if you speak enough Spanish to be able to negotiate the price with the driver. In Puebla, there are a multitude of taxis but your best bet will be a radio taxi.

The radio taxis are the best cabs in appearance and since they are registered they are also the safest, but they tend to charge more: about $10 MXN more than if you hail one on the street. If you run into a friendly cab driver, it is a good idea to get his cell phone number, so you can call whenever you need safe transport.

You could protect your budget by speaking to the sellers (especially the street ones) in Spanish, because most of them offer higher prices to foreigners who may not know the real prices of the products.

Like in many other urbanized places in Mexico, Uber is widely present and highly affordable. It is much more accountable than traditional taxis and the benefits are obvious: you get your driver's name, car's license plate number, an email receipt with a map of your ride, and you don't have to explain the directions.

Facultad de Lenguas de la BUAP. School of languages from the major Public University, offers special spanish courses for foreigners on saturdays or in week-days. Located near Xonaca. http://www.facultaddelenguas.com/